A dispute originating from an online video game escalated into violence when Edward Kang, a 20-year-old from New Jersey, traveled to Florida and attacked another gamer with a hammer, according to Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper.
He boarded a Delta flight from Newark, New Jersey, to Jacksonville International Airport, Florida, on June 21, informing his family that he was visiting a friend he had met through an online video game.
The assault took place late Saturday night, June 22, to early Sunday morning, June 23, in Fernandina Beach.
The victim had been playing an online game at home when Kang entered brandishing a hammer.
Despite the surprise attack, the victim managed to wrestle Kang to the ground.
Upon hearing the commotion, the victim's stepfather rushed to assist and helped restrain Kang until law enforcement arrived.
Deputies responded to the incident around 2 a.m. and discovered a significant amount of blood at the scene.
Both Kang and the victim were transported to the hospital, with the victim sustaining severe but non-life-threatening head injuries.
Kang and the victim had initially connected through the online game ArcheAge but had never met face-to-face prior to the altercation.
The exact motive behind the attack remains unclear.
During questioning, Kang mentioned that he viewed the victim as "problematic online," which apparently compelled him to resort to extreme measures.
Kang has been uncooperative with investigators and has invoked his right to legal representation. When inquired about potential imprisonment, Sheriff Leeper commented that it would likely be a considerable period before Kang could engage in video games again.
Sheriff Leeper underscored the importance of securing residences and highlighted the potential real-world ramifications of virtual interactions.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are considering the possibility of upgrading charges against Kang as more details emerge.
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